As the regular season draws to a close, the New York Mets are eagerly awaiting the possible return of their 31-year-old star pitcher, Kodai Senga. Senga, who has grappled with a series of injuries throughout the 2023 season, is aiming to make a comeback before the regular season wraps up on September 29.
Unfortunately, Senga’s 2023 campaign has been significantly hampered by injuries, confining him to just one major-league appearance. Initially, he suffered a shoulder capsule strain that sidelined him until July 26. However, his first start back was met with yet another setback, a high-grade calf strain.
Despite these obstacles, Senga estimates that his recovery is currently between 70% and 80%. Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, expressed a cautiously optimistic outlook on Senga's return: "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," Stearns mentioned, fueling hopes within the Mets’ camp.
A Star Marred by Injuries
Kodai Senga, once a beacon of reliability for the Mets, has seen this season turn into a tough ordeal. In sharp contrast to last season’s impressive performance, Senga’s stint on the injured list has been particularly trying. Last season, Senga posted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earned a spot in the All-Star Game, and had a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Notably, he was a significant contributor to the Mets with an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball-Reference. He even finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
Senga’s absence this season, compounded by other key injuries in the Mets' rotation, has placed added strain on the team. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery.
Rotation Strain and Playoff Implications
The Mets’ rotation has had to lean heavily on less experienced starters and an overtaxed bullpen. With pitching options dwindling, the Mets find themselves in a tight race for the playoffs. Presently, they are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot and hold a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves.
The upcoming three-game series against the Braves looms large. This critical series could determine the season series tiebreaker and potentially decide which team advances to the playoffs. For the Mets, getting Senga back could provide a significant boost, but his health remains a significant concern.
Hope on the Horizon
Within the Mets’ camp, there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding Senga's return. His teammates, coaching staff, and fans are all eagerly awaiting the return of the pitcher who delivered outstanding performances last season. His stability and skills on the mound could be the much-needed impetus for the Mets as they approach these final games.
It is a race against time for Kodai Senga and the New York Mets. With the clock ticking towards September 29, all eyes are on his recovery progress. If he manages to return, it will be a welcome sight for a team desperately seeking stability and leadership in their pitching rotation. As Stearns aptly put it, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." These words encapsulate the cautious hope that the Mets are clinging to, as they prepare for what could be a defining moment in their season.